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Global Society

Muslim Ban

While the roots of Islamophobia can be traced back to the West, its continual rise has become a global phenomenon.

By Muhammad Omar Iftikhar | February 2024


The ongoing irrational fear and hostility towards Islam, especially to the Muslims, is a product of the post-9/11 propaganda and a social consciousness that emerged in the West against the Muslims, especially the Middle Eastern countries. The attacks on the US soil on that dreadful morning of September 11 followed by the perpetrators’ association with Islam initiated a global wave of anger and resentment against the Muslims.

If the public opinion in general was against Muslims that accentuated Islamophobia, then the media influence also played a role in this regard. Referred to as Bollywood, the Indian cinema, in particular promoted negative stereotypes about Islam and Muslims, showing them as agents of evil, mastermind criminals, and those who tend to harm people and society.

In terms of news reporting, sensationalized headlines, and biased reporting damaged the sentiments by portraying an image of the religious community that never existed. The alleged, concocted yet constant association of Islam with terrorism in mainstream media further imbeds the view that Muslims are fundamentally dangerous. Islamophobic incidents have occurred across the world, including in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chad, China, the Central African Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Italy, India, Mali, Myanmar, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, among others. Incidents ranged from anti-Islam rallies, murders, assassinations, assaults, desecration of tombstones of Muslims, burning of masjids (praying areas), vandalisation of shops and businesses, bombings, among others.

Moreover, Islamophobia was also used by politicians to fulfill their vested interests as they capitalized on public fear and insecurity. The rise of populist movements in various parts of the world has seen the incriminating of Muslims for political ends. Policies such as the “Muslim Ban” in the United States and the targeting of Muslim minorities in India are symbolic of the dangerous juncture between politics and Islamophobia.

According to a report published on theconversation.com, Islamophobia increased by 200% in the UK in 2015, while there was a surge in anti-Muslim attacks in the US by 78%. The report also shares that Islamophobia is not only experienced by Muslims as the same concept of hostility is faced by other religious minorities, including Sikhs, Hindus, and other South Asians. Geopolitics has a major influence in shaping Islamophobia as the population spread across and populated in certain areas raises concerns and ideologies that ignite his hatred. The report further added that Islamophobia tends to show that the entire Muslim community lacks any diversity.

Interestingly, Islamophobia has been present among liberal circles that champion inclusivity and diversity. The phenomenon of liberal Islamophobia manifests in subtle ways, often masked under secularism or progressivism.


Moreover, the growth of Islamophobia globally is linked to American and European domestic and foreign policies, particularly the concept of a global war on terrorism that began in 2001. While Western origins of Islamophobia are often ignored, the post-9/11 era shaped attitudes and developed concepts that were backed by government policies towards Islam and Muslims, contributing to the globalization of Islamophobia.

Islamophobia has been present among liberal circles that champion inclusivity and diversity. The phenomenon of liberal Islamophobia manifests in subtle ways, often masked under secularism or progressivism.

Before the 1979 Iranian revolution, Muslims in the West were relatively few and lacked broad-based identification. The revolution, marked by Ayatollah Khomeini’s call for exporting Islamic ideology, brought Islam into the Western domain and spotlight. Subsequent events, such as the 9/11 attacks, the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS), and mass immigration, fueled the growth of Islamophobia in the US and Europe which also impacted politics and society.

Furthermore, the influence of social media, with its ability to instigate and ignite hate speech, created an environment that spread across the world. An organized network promoting Islamophobia emerged, utilizing social media campaigns and various platforms to spread prejudiced views.

Internationally, the crises of Islamophobia have expanded beyond the Western world. The genocides against the Uyghurs in China and the Rohingya in Myanmar, along with the rise of Islamophobia in India under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, highlight the alarming global nature of this prejudice. While the roots of modern Islamophobia can be traced back to the West, its growth has become a global phenomenon. The interconnected nature of geopolitics, media influence, and political agendas has led to the widespread normalization of Islamophobia, impacting Muslims worldwide. Addressing this issue requires collective efforts to challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and advocate for inclusive policies at the local, national, regional, and international scales.

A multi-pronged approach is required to address Islamophobia. Education and awareness are of paramount significance in this regard and must be initiated in schools and through the media. Encouraging open dialogue between communities can develop an understanding that will bridge gaps created by ignorance and fear. Governments must also take a stand against discriminatory policies and ensure the protection of religious minorities.

Islamophobia has unquestionably become a disconcerting global phenomenon, infiltrating various aspects of society. The roots of this prejudice are deep-seated, and entangled with historical events, media narratives, and political propaganda. Only through education, dialogue, and collective action can we hope to remove the thoughts of ignorance and build a more inclusive and harmonious world for all.

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